Category: Castle

Category: Castle

Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle, Palma

Bellver Castle – updated 23 January 2023.

Bellver Castle is a 14th century Gothic-style castle located in the city of Palma on the island of Majorca, Spain. Built by King James II of Mallorca, it is one of the few circular castles in Europe and offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle has a rich history, having served as a royal residence, a prison, and a military academy. Today, it is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours, cultural events and exhibitions. With its unique architecture and panoramic views, Bellver Castle is a must-see for any visitor to Palma.

Bellver Castle Palma

Round Castle

Surrounded by fragrant pine woods, the castle is unique in design and is Spain’s only round castle. Now a renowned Palma landmark located at the top of the hill Puig de Sa Mesquida, the former grand fortress and Catalan Gothic masterpiece attracts visitors by the hundreds who come to admire the architecture, the views and visit the interesting ground-floor museum.

Pere Salva

King Jaume II gave the order for Bellver Castle to be built back in 1300 and the job was given to Pere Salva, the architect who designed the Almudaina Palace (The Royal Palace).

Bellver Castle Mallorca

Three towers

Bellver has three large towers surrounding a two-level central courtyard and a moat. You’ll see a contrast of architectural design as you explore the castle ranging from Gothic arches to rib-vaulting to semi-circular arches. The best way to see these contrasts is to look down at the courtyard from the roof.

Royal Residence

The castle was built to serve as a royal residence; however, with the exception of residencies by King Sanç and Joan I of Aragon, the building has spent more time as a prison than a home. Bellver Castle has hosted many prisoners over the years including King Jaume IV & King Jaume III’s widow and sons and has been used as a penal institution during both the Napoleonic and Spanish Civil wars and World War II. If you visit the roof of the castle, you can see prisoners’ graffiti, carved into the stonework.

Museum

On the ground floor is Palma’s museum of municipal history (Museu d’Història de la Ciutat) which follows the development of the city from the prehistoric Talayotic civilisation to the present day via its artefacts including pottery from Talaiotic, Roman, Arab and Spanish periods and classical statues from the Despuig Collection.

Classical music concerts

The central courtyard is the stage for a series of classical music concerts performed by the Balearic Symphony Orchestra each July. These open-air evening concerts are very popular.

Getting there

The best way to get to Bellver Castle is via car, there is parking available, alternatively combine your visit with the Palma City Sightseeing open-top bus, which stops at the castle as part of its circuit. If you use public transport, then the closest you will get is Plaça de Gomila, from there it is a 15 minute, 1km walk up a steep hill.

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Manacor to Alcudia

Manacor to Alcudia driving route

Manacor to Alcudia – updated 12 February 2023.

The island of Majorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. The Manacor to Alcudia driving route is one of the most scenic and picturesque routes on the island, providing travelers with a journey through some of the most stunlning scenery that Majorca has to offer.

Starting in the town of Manacor, the route takes you through the heart of the island’s agricultural region, passing through lush fields of almond and olive trees. The road winds through small villages and towns, where visitors can experience traditional Majorcan life and culture.

Manacor is Mallorca’s second-largest city and is best known as the birthplace of tennis great Rafael Nadal and as a centre of furniture manufacturing.

There’s not a lot to see here; however, the Esglesia dels Delors de Nostra Senyora church is worth a visit, so is the Manacor History Museum.

Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience

If you’re a sports fan, then the Rafa Nadal Museum Xperience puts the ball in your court. Its simulators and attractions put you at the centre of the action. As well as the tennis legend’s trophies and memorabilia on display in the Exhibition Room there are exciting experiences where you get to call all the shots.

Manacor, Alcudia

The Majorcan tennis ace, Rafael Nadal, presents all his trophies and memorabilia in a museum with a difference in his hometown of Manacor. Head into the Exhibition Room and you’ll find all his achievements, equipment and best trophies from throughout his career, but step through into the Experience Room and you become the protagonist of the show.

There are state-of-the-art simulators that take you on a voyage of different sports, including F1, tennis and more, as well as 3D Eyewear that sweeps you into another world – quite literally. Kids and adults will find something to entertain them, so it’s an ace day out for all the family – Book tickets

Caves of Drach

When you leave Manacor, follow the signs for Porto Cristo where you have the opportunity to visit the Caves of Drach, one of the largest caves in Europe and considered by many to be the 8th Wonder of the World. Within the caves is Lake Martel, one of the largest underground lakes on the planet; which today plays host to a boat-borne classical music program; which attracts visitors from far and wide.

best attractions Mallorca

Cala Millor

From Porto Cristo follow the signs for Son Servera and Cala Millor, a lovely road; which meanders through orchards until you arrive at Cala Millor; which is a good place to stop for a short beach break.

Capdepera

The route then takes you east into Son Servera and then to Capdepera, largely undiscovered by the majority of visitors to the island. The biggest attraction in Capdepera is the ‘Castell de Capdepera’, it is a quite demanding walk uphill, but the views are outstanding.

Artà

From Capdepera, take the road to Artà, a quiet, attractive rural town with a maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings and pretty cafes with an impressive hilltop fortress built in the 14th century.

Alcúdia

From there, continue along the coastal road around the bay to Alcúdia, a beautiful medieval walled town of quiet charm and character.

Surrounded by mighty walls that contain historic mansions, scenic plazas, cafés with beautiful terraces & warm-stone houses, this vibrant town is a year-round destination, providing a rich taste of history and culture.

Overall, the Manacor to Alcudia driving route is a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes and charming towns that Majorca has to offer. Whether you are an experienced driver, a lover of stunning vistas, or simply looking for a memorable way to explore the island, this route is a must-see attraction that should not be missed. So, pack your bags, start your engine, and get ready to experience the beauty of Majorca from the comfort of your car.

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